Bissaker's slide rule, 1654

William Oughtred was the first to use the newly invented logarithmic scales to form a calculating instrument with scales that could move with respect to one another. This is the earliest known dated slide rule, which uses scales bound together with metal bands. The scales are mainly trigonometrical and logarithmic. The instrument is inscribed 'Made by Robert Bissaker, 1654, for TW'. By the late 17th century slide rules were established for use by excise officers and in carpentry.